Modifiable Skateboard

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to a modifiable skateboard comprising: a deck; a first set of mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving attachments arranged orthogonally to the long axis of the deck; a second set of mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving attachments arranged parallel to the long axis of the deck; a first accessory having a first attachment that is removably received in one of the slots at one end of the deck; and, a second accessory having a second attachment that is removably received in the opposite end of the deck.

1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a skateboard and more particularly to askateboard that is easily modifiable with interchangeable accessories.

2) DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Skateboards are well known and are believed to have been invented in the1950s gaining widespread popularity in the 1960s. The components of atypical skateboard include the deck which supports the rider andgenerally is the main component which other accessories attach. Trucks,which connect to the deck, include an axle for attaching wheels. Wheelsof different types are available based on the type of skateboarding thatthe rider engages in. Bearings allow the wheels to rotate around theaxles. Grip tape which is attached to the top surface of the skateboardprovides a non-slip surface and significantly increases the friction onthe top of the deck. Risers can also be included which elevate the deckoff the ground higher than with the trucks alone. Typically, the trucksare screwed into the deck requiring holes and prevent the trucks, andtherefore, the wheel positions from being easily changed.

Traditionally, skateboards contain a forward and rear truck each havingan axle and two wheels connected to each truck. Attempts have been madeto alter this traditional configuration such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,328and 6,428,022 which disclose a two-wheeled skateboard with the wheelaligned in a linear configuration along the center axis of the deck.Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,096 discloses a skateboard with wheelsarranged in a linear fashion with each truck having multiple wheels in alinear arrangement.

Further, attempts have been made to make the wheels removable so thatthe wheels can be interchanged. United States Patent application2006/0131826 discloses removable wheels so that the wheels areinterchangeable. United States Patent application 2007/0035100 disclosesa removable wheel hub, but uses a fixed mount that is screwed into thedeck. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,299 allows for two or three wheelsto be attached to a mounting rail, however, the mounting rail is affixedto the deck, thereby preventing the position of the wheels to be easilymodified.

Since the Ollie was invented around 1978, riders have been trying tofind ways to customize skateboards and begin using these items asarticles of expression. For example. U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,121 discloseshand or foot holds that can be attached to the deck using screws. U.S.Pat. No. 7,118,117 is directed to a tension strap that attaches to thedeck and a belt worn by the user so that the skateboard is held to thefeet of the user for performing tricks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,893discloses runners attached where wheels would normally be, so that theskateboard is adapted to be used on an ice surface. United States PatentApplication 2010/0276912 discloses a “leash” that is an aftermarketaccessory that wraps around a skateboard and allows the rider to pullthe leash to keep the skateboard on the feet of the rider during stuntssuch as jumping and Ollie's. U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,234 discloses a brakesystem that can be used with a skateboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,325discloses a forward extension unit that is held in the hand of therider, connects to the front of a skateboard and allows the rider toenhance the control of the skateboard when riding. U.S. Pat. No.5,020,827 discloses a bridle that the rider pulls when jumping so thatthe skateboard can be held securely to the rider's feet even whenairborne.

Other examples of accessories for skateboards have been attempted suchas United States Patent application 2003/0075890 which includes metalplates attached to the deck so that when in cooperation with magnetsimbedded in the rider's shoes, they enhance the ability of the rider tokeep the skateboard in contact with his or her shoes when jumping orperforming other airborne maneuvers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,438 discloses askateboard with magnets on the top of the deck and in the rider's shoesso that the rider can more easily secure the skateboard to his shoeswhen riding.

It is an object of this invention to provide a skateboard accessorysystem that provides for easy modifications to the deck of a skateboardfor interchangeable trucks and wheels in many configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objectives of this invention are accomplished by providing a systemfor providing a modifiable skateboard comprising: a deck; a plurality ofmounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receivingattachments; a plurality of detent indentions defined in the mountingslots operatively associated with attachments, thereby securingaccessories to the underside of the deck; an accessory having anattachment member that can be received in the mounting slot accessoriesto be attached to and arranged in multiple configurations to the deck.The invention can also include accessories selected from the group oftrucks with wheels, single wheels, ice blade, pivots and the like. Theinvention can include an opening defined in the deck for receiving awheel; and, a wheel carried by the mounting rails so that a portion ofthe wheel protrudes above the deck and a portion of the wheel protrudesbelow the deck.

The invention can also include a recess refined in the top of the deck;a tether attached to the deck at a point within the recess; a handleattached to the tether that can be received by the recess when thehandle is not in use and can be extended to the length of the tetherwhen the rider wishes to use the handle to perform tricks.

The invention can also include a magnetic plate carried by the top ofthe deck; a shoe for being worn by a rider that includes a ferrous metalcarried by the soles of the shoes that, when in contact with themagnetic plate, secures the shoes to the deck. The soles of the shoescan also include ferrous material integrated into the material of thesole integrated at the time of manufacturing such as metal filings addedto the polymer used to manufacture the shoe. The magnet can be anelectromagnet in electronic communication with a controller andactuation button so that when the actuation button is depressed, theelectromagnet energizes securing the shoes to the deck. In oneembodiment, the activation button is in wireless communications with thecontroller.

The invention can also include a clip attached to the top of the deck;an opening defined in a rider's shoe that is operably arranged toreceive the clip when the shoe slides against the clip securing the shoeto the deck.

Further, the invention can include a first material having a higherrigidity than a second area wherein the first area is located at thejoint between a flat portion of the deck and an upward angled portion ofthe deck creating a flexing area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter bedescribed, together with other features thereof. The invention will bemore readily understood from a reading of the following specificationand by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIGS. 1A through 1C include several views of components of theinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are bottom views of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 2C through 2F include several views of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 3A through 3D include several top views and a side view of aspectsof the invention;

FIG. 3E is a side view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 4B through 4C include several views of accessories;

FIG. 4D is a side view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view of the invention and the bottom view ofshoes cooperatively associated with components of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 7B through 7D are perspective views of the invention;

FIG. 7E is a top vide of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 8A through 8C are perspective views of the invention;

FIGS. 9A though 9C are cross sectional views the invention; and,

FIG. 10 is a side view of aspects of the invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may notapply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention.As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative withrespect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects andfeatures of the invention will become more fully apparent when thefollowing detailed description is read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of theinvention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. Inparticular, while the invention is described herein with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that thedescription is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed aslimiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications mayoccur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from thespirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appendedclaims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages ofthe present invention will be apparent from this summary and certainembodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages willbe apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanyingexamples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawntherefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporatedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described inmore detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one ofordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subjectmatter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the presently disclosed subject matter, representativemethods, devices, and materials are herein described.

This invention is directed to a skateboard that is adapted to be easilymodified into a plurality of configurations without the need to alterthe physical characteristics of the skateboard itself.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, a skateboard 10 is shown havingmounting slots 12 a and 12 b defined along the underside of the deck ofthe skateboard aligned along the long axis of the skateboard. Themounting slots are adapted to receive attachment 14. Securing member 16uses tension between the mounting slots and the attachment to secure theattachment in place with the slot. Other securing means include detent18, clip 20, and the like. Under these securing arrangements, an indentor similar configuration exists in the mounting slot to engage with thedetent or clip of the like.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2F, clip indent 22 receives the clip onthe attachment so that the attachment will be secured to one of thevarious indents. When a detent system is employed, indents 24 receivethe detent 18 and secure the attachment to one of a plurality ofpositions.

Through using the mounting slots and attachments, a variety ofaccessories can be arranged in a variety of configurations. For example,the traditional truck 26 having wheels 28 a and 28 b can have anattachment 30 connected to the truck. It should be noted that when theattachment is received in the mounting slot, the attachment secures thetruck to the deck without having to screw or otherwise physically modifythe deck to secure the truck. The truck can easily be added, removed orpositioned along the rails to provide for a variety of configurations.Other accessories can include a single wheel 32 that pivots in adirection shown as 34, an ice blade 36 for use on ice and a pivot member38 for attachment to the front or rear of the skateboard to allow therider to kick up on one end and pivot in a circular motion.

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3E, several of the potentialconfigurations are illustrated. In arrangement shown as 40, single wheel32 is placed at one end of the board with truck 26, and its wheels, areattached at the other end of the deck. In arrangement 42, single wheels32 are placed on both sides of the deck. In arrangement 44, two truckscan be attached to the ends of the deck to resemble a more typicalskateboard configuration. In arrangement 46, two trucks can be placed atthe ends with a single wheel placed in the center of the deck. Withmounting rails 12 a through 12 c, the number configurations can be vast.Arrangement 48 shows three single wheels attached to the deck, however,a center single wheel 32 a, has a larger diameter than that of thesingle wheels 32 placed at the ends.

Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4D, an example is shown as arrangement 50having a deck with an opening 52 approximately in the center of thedeck. A single wheel 54 having a larger diameter than that so that whenattached to the deck, the wheel extends both above and below the deckthrough opening 52. Further, pivot members 38 can be attached to themounting slots at the ends when a rider is learning how to ride a deckwith the single center wheel. Once a certain proficiency is obtained,the pivots can be easily removed without leaving holes where formerscrews would be placed for a traditional deck's accessory attachments.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the deck can also include on the topportion a recessed handle 56 recessed into top opening 58. Tether 60attached to the handle and the deck so that when the handle is pulledupwards away from the deck, the rider can use the handle and tether tohold the deck to the feet of the rider to facilitate moves with theskateboard such as jumping. The tether can be elastic with apredetermined extension length. The tether can also spool around aretractor which will allow the tether to deploy when pulled and retractback into the recess when the rider releases the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an embodiment allowing the rider to staysecured to the deck is shown. Shoes 62 include a metal plate attached toor imbedded in the soles of the shoes. The deck includes magnetic plates64 attached to the top or embedded in the deck. In one embodiment, themagnets are electromagnets having a controller 66 and actuating button68. When button 68 is pressed, the electromagnets energize through thecontroller will hold the rider's shoes to the deck. In one embodiment,the actuating button is in wireless communications with the controllerand an activation signal is transmitted from the activating buttonassembly 70 to antenna 72 resulting in the electromagnets energizing.

Referring to FIG. 7A through 7E, another embodiment for securing a riderto the deck of the skateboard is shown. This embodiment includes thecooperation between a particular rider's shoes and attachments to thedeck of a skateboard. Shoe 72 includes an opening 74 adapted to receivea deck clip 76 that can be attached to the top of the deck. When in use,the rider can slide the edge of the shoe toward the clip, engage theclip and secure the shoe to the deck. This allows the rider to performjumps and other actions with the deck with the shoe attached to thedeck. When the shoe slides away from the clip, the shoes are releasedfrom the skateboard.

Referring to FIG. 8A, another embodiment of the invention is shown. Inthis a first flexible portion 80 is shown generally in the centerportion of the deck having a specific rigidity. A second portion of thedeck 82 is attached to the first portion of the deck having a rigiditythat is more flexible than that of portion 80, allowing the ends of thedeck to flex. A third portion 84 is connected to the second portionhaving a rigidity greater than that of the center portion to provideadditional strength to the ends of the deck. Referring to FIG. 8B, oneembodiment of the invention is shown with a the end 84 a attached to theboard through spring 90. This provides for the ends of the board tospring. Referring to FIG. 8C, end portion 84 a is connected to the boardthrough coupling 92 a and 92 b. The coupling can be rigid or flexible.Further, the end portions can be slidably attached to the board allowingfor the length of the board to be modified by extending and retractingthe end portions.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a cross section layer is shown at the slot levelof the board. The slots can be orthogonal to the long axis of the boardallowing the attachments to “slide in sideways”. Slots can also beorientated length wise and width wise forming an intersecting pattern asshown in FIG. 9B. The attachments can include pegs that can be receivedin opening 95 defined in the bottom of the board as shown in FIG. 9C.The attachments can be attached through friction fit, pressure fit, adetent or other securing assembly. The opening can be threaded to matchthreads included on the attachments securing the attachment to theboard. In one embodiment, Pegs or posts are attached to the underside ofthe board and are received in openings defined in the attachments.

Referring to FIG. 10, a shaft 96 with a handle 98 can be attached to theboard to form a “scooter”. Lights 94 can be mounted to the board eitherdirectly on the board or through the various attachment methodsdiscussed herein. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the boardincludes a reflective material enhancing the effect of the lights. Oneembodiment, the wheels attached to the board are of a caster type wheel.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described usingspecific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, andit is to be understood that changes and variations may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular modifiable skateboard systemcomprising: a deck; a first set of mounting slots defined in the bottomof the deck; a second set of mounting slots defined in the bottom of thedeck arranged parallel to the long axis of the deck; a set ofaccessories that are configured to be removably attached to deck; afirst accessory taken from the set of accessories having a firstattachment that is removably received in the mounting slots at one endof the deck; a second accessory taken from the set of accessories havinga second attachment that is removably received in the mounting slots atthe opposite end of the deck; a shaft removably attached vertically tothe deck of the skateboard; a handle attached to the shaft at an endopposite the deck and orthogonal to the shaft; powered lights attachedto the bottom of the deck for projecting light from underneath the deck;a reflective surface included on the bottom of the deck for reflectinglight from underneath the deck; a first end attached to the deck by anextendable coupling to allow for the length of the skateboard to vary; asecond end attached to the deck by a spring allowing for the end to flexin relation to the deck; a recess defined in the top of the deck; atether attached to the deck at a tether distal end; a handle attached tothe tether at a tether proximal end that can be received by the recesswhen the handle is not in use and can be extended to the length of thetether when the rider wishes to use the handle to lift the deckskateboard off the ground; and, a clip attached to the top of the deckfor being inserted into an opening defined in a rider's shoe arranged toreceive the clip when the shoe slides against the clip thereby securingthe shoe to the deck.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the firstaccessory includes a truck attached to a wheel.
 3. The system of claim 2wherein the second accessory includes a truck attached to a wheel. 4.The system of claim 3 wherein the wheel of the second accessory has adifferent diameter that of the wheel of the first accessory.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the first accessory includes a truck attachedto an ice blade.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first accessoryincludes a truck attached to a stop.
 7. The system of claim 1 whereinthe first accessory includes a truck attached to a pivot.
 8. The systemof claim 1 wherein the first accessory includes a truck attached to alight.
 9. The system of claim 1 including an opening defined in thecenter portion of the deck for receiving a center wheel removablyreceived in one of the mounting slots and disposed generally in thecenter of the deck so that a portion of the center wheel protrudes abovethe deck.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the tether retracts into thedeck when not in use.
 11. A modular modifiable skateboard systemcomprising: a deck; a first set of mounting slots defined in the bottomof the deck and extending from one end of the deck to the opposite endof the deck along a long axis of the deck; a set of accessories that canbe removably attached to the deck; a first accessory taken from the setof accessories having a first attachment that is removably received inthe mounting slots at one end of the deck; and, a second accessory takenfrom the set of accessories having a second attachment that is removablyreceived in the mounting slots at the opposite end of the deck.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11 including an opening defined in the center portion ofthe deck for receiving a center wheel removably received in the mountingslots and disposed generally in the center of the deck so that a portionof the center wheel protrudes above the deck.
 13. The system of claim 11including a shaft attached vertically to the deck.
 14. The system ofclaim 13 including a handle attached to the shaft at an end opposite thedeck and generally orthogonal to the shaft.
 15. The system of claim 13wherein the shaft is removeably attached to the deck.
 16. The system ofclaim 11 including: a recess defined in the top of the deck; a tetherattached to the deck at a tether distal end; and, a handle attached tothe tether at a tether proximal end that can be received by the recesswhen the handle is not in use and can be extended to the length of thetether when the rider wishes to use the handle to lift the skateboardoff the ground.
 17. A modular modifiable skateboard system comprising: adeck; a first set of mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck; aset of accessories that can be removably attached to the deck; a firstaccessory taken from the set of accessories having a first attachmentthat is removably received in one of the mounting slots at one end ofthe deck; a second accessory taken from the set of accessories having asecond attachment that is removably received in one of the mountingslots at the opposite end of the deck; a recess defined in the top ofthe deck; a tether attached to the deck at a tether distal end; and, ahandle attached to the tether at a tether proximal end that can bereceived by the recess when the handle is not in use and can be extendedto the length of the tether when the rider wishes to use the handle tolift the skateboard off the ground.
 18. The system of claim 17 includinga clip attached to the top of the deck for being inserted into anopening defined in a rider's shoe arranged to receive the clip when theshoe slides against the clip thereby securing the shoe to the deck. 19.The system of claim 17 wherein the first accessory includes a truck andan attachment selected from the group consisting of a: wheel, ice blade,pivot, stop and light.
 20. The system of claim 17 including an openingdefined in the center portion of the deck for receiving a center wheelremovably received in the mounting slots and disposed generally in thecenter of the deck so that a portion of the center wheel protrudes abovethe deck.